Gensuikyo delegation meets with U.N. high representative

   A Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) delegation on October 8 met with U.N. High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Sergio Duarte at the U.N. headquarters and requested that the U.N. make further efforts for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

   The delegation handed Duarte a list of 660,000 signatures as well as 108 Japanese municipal heads’ and 71 local assembly chairs’ signatures in support of the international signature drive, “For the Swift Abolition of Nuclear Weapons.”

   Japan Gensuikyo Deputy Secretary-General Tsuchida Yayoi said, “Nuclear weapon states must immediately fulfill their ‘unequivocal commitment’ to eliminate nuclear weapons that they agreed to at the 2000 NPT Review Conference,” and stressed the need for the U.N. to enter into negotiation for a total ban of nuclear weapons.

   Duarte in response said, “We share the same view as you expressed. There is no consensus yet among U.N. member states, but it is necessary for us to keep our courage and make further efforts.”                                      - Akahata, October 10, 2007